Where Art Meets Automotive Culture
Entry deadline: January 26, 2027 · Only 20 artists will be selected for the inaugural exhibition.
Cars Reimagined: Where Art Meets the Automobile is a curated competition and exhibition celebrating the artistic and cultural power of the automobile. It invites artists, designers, and creative thinkers from around the world to explore and reinterpret the concept of the car — its form, presence, and role in our lives. Positioned at the intersection of art, design, and automotive culture, the competition welcomes original perspectives on mobility and the many ways artists can express it visually.
Selected works will be showcased during the New York International Auto Show, hosted at Agora Gallery — just steps from the event and in the heart of Chelsea, New York's iconic art district.
The competition encourages participants to view the automobile not only as a functional object but as a symbol of culture, identity, innovation, and emotion.
What Selected Artists Receive
Only 20 artists will be selected. These artists will exhibit their work and receive additional recognition through the awards below, distributed exclusively among them.
Works are curated by Agora Gallery's curatorial team, drawing on over 40 years of experience selecting artists for Chelsea exhibitions.
Exhibition Participation
All twenty selected artists exhibit at Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York, during the New York International Auto Show.
Featured Articles
Five artists receive a special editorial feature on the AGI Fine Art and New York Art Competitions blogs.
Social Media Highlights
Five artists receive dedicated posts on AGI Fine Art's and NYAC's social media channels.
Honorable Mentions
Ten artists are recognized as Honorable Mentions and featured in social media stories on both platforms.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility
Open to artists, designers, and creative thinkers aged 18 and above, from any country. All mediums welcome: painting, sculpture, digital art, concept design, new media, and more.
AI use is prohibited at any stage of the creative process of the submitted work — including AI-generated imagery, using AI for feedback or critique, asking AI for composition or conceptual advice, and using AI to analyze or view the work. Eligibility is assessed work by work; past use of AI on other projects does not automatically disqualify an artist or a series.
Application
$45 per entry (up to 5 artworks). Additional images: $5 each.
Entry Material & Theme
Original interpretations of mobility. No time frame restriction — if selected, the artwork must be available during the exhibition dates and for sale.
Shipment & Customs
Selected artists are responsible for all shipping and customs costs. Insurance is advised. All work must be framed or stretched for display.
Key Dates
Enter Cars Reimagined
$45 entry · Up to 5 artworks · Any country · All mediums · If selected, shipping to NYC is at the artist's expense
Enter NowQuestions first? Read the full guidelines →
Questions? Email info@nyartcompetitions.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry Fee
Are entry fees refundable?
Entry fees are non-refundable, except in cases of double payment or payment error.
Will there be additional expenses?
If selected for the collective exhibition, artists are responsible for all shipping charges to and from the exhibition space, including insurance while in transit.
What payment methods do you accept?
PayPal and major credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Diners, American Express, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay.
Required Material
Are numbered giclée prints accepted?
Giclée prints will only be accepted for digital and photography work.
Can artwork that is not for sale be considered?
No. All submitted artwork must be available for sale.
Is collaborative work accepted?
Yes, as long as collaboration does not exceed two people.
Can I submit AI-generated artworks?
No. All artworks must be original and created by the submitting artist. AI-generated artworks will be disqualified.
Does the no-AI rule apply only to AI-generated images, or does it include using AI for advice and feedback?
The policy covers any AI use at any stage of the creative process, including feedback, critique, composition advice, or creative ideas — even if no AI-generated imagery appears in the final work. Showing a completed artwork to an AI for comments is also considered AI use.
Can I enter if I've used AI tools on other projects in the past?
Yes. Eligibility is based on the specific work submitted. If that work was created entirely without AI, it is eligible.
If I used AI on an earlier series, does that disqualify my whole body of work?
No. Eligibility is assessed work by work.
What if past AI feedback has indirectly influenced how I work?
Residual influence from past experiences does not make future independently created work ineligible.
What are the dimensional limitations?
2D: max 75×85 in. Diptych/Triptych: up to 168 in. wide, each part max 75×85 in. 3D pre-assembled: max 72×72×24 in.; multi-part assembled in gallery: max 72×72×36 in.
Which media are not eligible?
Video art, film, performance art, jewelry, AI-generated art, and crafts are not eligible.
What are the digital image specifications?
JPG format. At least 72 dpi and 200 KB. Shortest side at least 338 px. No more than 5 MB, no larger than 7500×7500 px.
Should images include a watermark or copyright info?
No. All images must be clear of identifying marks — jurors do not see artist names. Images with watermarks or copyright info will be disqualified.
Should I include a résumé and statement?
No. The competition is judged solely on the work itself. If selected, a bio and statement will be needed for the exhibition.
Sales / Commissions / Copyrights
Will my artwork images be used by the sponsors?
Submitted images may be used for promotional purposes only. Due credit will be given to artists.
If the artwork doesn't sell, will it be returned?
Yes. The artwork is the property of the artist and will be returned at the end of the exhibition if not sold. The artist is responsible for return shipping costs.
What is the commission structure?
60/40 commission: the artist receives 60% of the list price; the exhibition space receives 40%.
When will I be paid for artwork sold?
Within 3 weeks after the organization receives full payment for the sold artwork.
Shipping, Insurance & Framing
Am I responsible for shipping and customs?
Yes. All shipping and customs arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the selected artist. Insurance while shipping is strongly recommended.
Are monitors available for artists who cannot ship the original?
Three monitors are available on a first-come/first-served basis, each presenting up to five images. Selected artists must inform us as soon as they receive results.
Does my artwork need to be framed or stretched?
Yes. All selected works must be framed or stretched. Unframed prints will not be exhibited. If work arrives unframed, the artist bears the cost of framing.
Are there requirements for frames?
Frames must be consistent in style across your works. Works are displayed side by side — mismatched frames can distract viewers. Artwork must be properly wired and ready to hang.
Enter Now
$45 for 5 images · Additional images $5 each
Enter Cars ReimaginedOnly 20 artists selected · Curated by Agora Gallery's team
Be part of the first Cars Reimagined
Twenty artists will be selected for the inaugural Cars Reimagined exhibition, held at Agora Gallery in Chelsea during the New York International Auto Show. There are no returning alumni — every artist selected this year is a founding participant. Works are curated by Agora Gallery's team, with over 40 years of experience selecting artists for Chelsea exhibitions.
Our Partners
Cars Reimagined is made possible by its founding partners. AGI Fine Art provides curatorial direction and career support for selected artists. Agora Gallery hosts the exhibition in Chelsea — steps from the New York International Auto Show. White Space Chelsea supports events and programming throughout the competition cycle.
